Recently, France’s Parliament took a significant step in combating food waste by unanimously passing legislation that prohibits supermarkets from discarding unsold food. Instead, these establishments are now required to donate edible food that would otherwise be thrown away to charitable organizations. This initiative is an exemplary model that should be adopted globally. However, it is vital for consumers to also take responsibility in mitigating food waste.
The issue of discarding perfectly edible food is multifaceted, with the most pressing concern in the United States being that one in six Americans experiences hunger. The juxtaposition of individuals going without food while perfectly good items are tossed into landfills is a profound ethical dilemma. Astonishingly, one-third of the food produced globally is wasted, despite the fact that there is sufficient food to eliminate hunger. Instead, we are filling landfills rather than providing nourishment.
In the US, a significant contributor to food waste is the confusion surrounding expiration dates. Terms like “sell by,” “best by,” and “use before” are often misunderstood, even by grocery store employees. Dana Williams, a food scientist from the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), explains that “sell by” dates are intended for retailers to manage inventory, not to inform consumers about food safety. “Best by” and “use by” dates are merely estimates for peak quality, not definitive indicators of food spoilage. How often have you discarded yogurt or other items simply because they were a few days past the date, even when they appeared and smelled fine?
The World Bank highlights that North America wastes nearly half of its food supply—42%, with much of this waste occurring during the consumption stage, often due to conscious decisions to throw food away. Supermarkets play a significant role in this waste, with it being a common practice to render unsold food inedible by pouring bleach over it before disposal. This practice is not only shocking but also highlights the need for reform, as articulated by a former food minister in France who criticized the wasteful destruction of edible food.
Under the new French law, supermarkets must donate food deemed unsellable but still safe for consumption, with larger stores required to establish formal agreements with charities or face substantial fines. Food that is no longer suitable for human consumption can be redirected to farms for animal feed or composting, thereby minimizing waste. Supermarkets account for approximately 10% of food waste, and instituting regulations on their disposal practices is a crucial first step.
However, we can all contribute to reducing waste by purchasing only what we need, consuming leftovers, and making informed decisions about food quality based on sensory evaluation rather than arbitrary dates. Composting can also provide insight into how much food is being wasted and the financial implications of this waste.
It is a stark reality that we produce enough food to provide each person on Earth with 2,700 calories a day, yet 842 million people still go to bed hungry. This disparity is simply unacceptable.
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Summary:
In summary, there is a critical issue of food waste in the US where 15 million children are hungry while 40% of food goes to waste. France’s new law mandating the donation of unsold food provides a model for change. Consumers must also take responsibility for reducing waste by being mindful of their purchasing and consumption habits.
Keyphrase: food waste and hunger
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